Back by very popular demand, blogging.LA is proud to announce the 2011 Donut Summit, the sequel to last summer’s showdown, from which Glendora’s Donut Man emerged with the much-coveted title of Donut King! Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 31, and join us for another battle for the Los Angeles Donut Crown! Check back next week for more details.

And today, not coincidentally, is National Donut Day! I suggest you pre-game for the Donut Summit with a donut or twelve from your favorite donut establishment. Or check out some of the extra special Donut Day offerings that some local eateries have on the menu just for today:

BLD, at 7450 Beverly Blvd., is offering a three donut flight that includes a blueberry ricotta donut with maple syrup, a banana cream pie donut, and a pulled pork donut. (via LA Weekly)

The Buttermilk Truck has donuts on offer this week in conjunction with the Geffen Playhouse’s new show, Superior Donuts. They’ll be in front of the Geffen in Westwood from 11:30-2:00 today, with donuts served up by members of the cast. You can follow the Buttermilk Truck on twitter.

This year is actually the 73rd National Donut Day, believe it or not. It was started by the Salvation Army to honor veterans after World War I, and more specifically to honor “lassies,” who were female volunteers who provided piping hot donuts to American troops during the war. Many local donut shops are accepting donating part of today’s proceeds to the Salvation Army. A list of participating LA donut shops is available here.

If you’ve got any favorite spots to hit for National Donut Day, let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to join us on July 31st for the Ultimate Donut Showdown!!!